1108 Parayan Shreemad Bhagavat Katha(Ishwar Naam Jap Katha)
By: Pujya Shree Bhupendrabhai Pandya
Report By : Sheilaben Sampat & Bhaskarbhai Joshi

On: 25th to 31st December, 2003
Venue: Cross Maidan, Mumbai

The much awaited 1108 Parayan Samuhik Shreemad Bhagavat Saptah – Ishwar Naam Jap Katha started amongst thousands of enthusiastic devotees. The pothis were registered not only from India but also other countries like USA, UK, Tanzania, Kenya, Singapore, Dubai, Muscat, etc.

The Pothi Yatra was flagged off from Laxminarayan Temple, Madhavbaug, Mumbai. Pujyashree Bhupendrabhai Pandya seated in a flower-bedecked chariot led the Yatra accompanied by drummers, a band, 1108 brahmins, 1108 pothi yajmans, their friends and relatives. Members of the Mukhya Manorathi Keshavji Naranji Latwala family carried the holy scripture, while Mukhya Dainik Yajaman Popat Ruparell family carried the idol of Radha-Krushna. The sacred procession was welcomed with garlands and showers of flower petals through the entire route of six kilometers by local politicians, social workers and eager devotees.

Pujyashree Bhupendrabhai Pandya entered the marquee accompanied by the Chief Guest, Pujya Swami Kutasthanandji Maharaj, Sadhubela Ashram, amidst chanting of Vedic hymns by learned brahmins. After lighting the lamp, Pujya Swamiji explained how fear, anger and lust could be eliminated from one’s life with the help of Bhagavat scripture.

The central theme of this Katha was Raas Leela. Pujyashree Bhupendrabhai Pandya explained the spiritual meaning of Raas, which is a divine union of the Individual Soul (Jivatma) and the Universal Soul (Paramatma).

He explained that the one who runs after happiness lands up being unhappy. Unhappiness is the shadow of happiness. We open the door to happiness and unhappiness creeps in. Pujyashree Bhai said that according to the eastern and western philosophers, one should strive to attain the truth (Satya) and not just happiness (Sukh). Material happiness like wealth, fame, power etc. is momentary. If one tries to attain the Supreme Lord, then unhappiness cannot step in. Just as a child runs to the mother, jivatma yearns to attain God, but the mind distracts him. One’s ultimate aim should be to recognize his true self. Unhappiness comes from desires resulting from a sense of incompleteness.

Pujyashree Bhupendrabhai Pandya threw light on the expression of God’s divine form, His valour and His grace in mangalacharan .

Explaining the philosophical meanings of the characters of Kansa and Nandbaba, Pujyashree Bhupendrabhai said that one who destroys others’ happiness is Kansa and one who gives happiness to others is Nandbaba. Anger, lust, greed, jealousy are some of the characteristics of Kansa, which dwell in human beings in varying extent. It is both necessary and possible to eradicate these negative traits. Life is joyful when one makes right resolutions and abides by them. This is the true result of listening to Krushna Katha. He also spoke on how to improve one’s character and the importance of charity while illustrating stories of Yayati and Rantidev. He stressed that to donate is not just to give, but to give gracefully.

Leela is a divine play whereby timeless truths are expounded. Pujyashree Bhai explained devotional, rational and spiritual meanings of various Leelas of Lord Krushna.

Pujyashree Bhai enlightened the devotees with the three qualities of life – Satva, Rajas and Tamas. One who is free from the circle of Rajas and Tamas is eligible to experience Bhagavat darshan.

Devotees participated actively in celebrating the various festivals including Nrusinh avatar, Ram janma, Krushna janma, Giriraj utsav and Krushna-Rukmini vivah.

Renowned Industrialist Shree Anilbhai Ambani was present at the katha on 28th December, 2003. It being the birth date of Late Shree Dhirubhai Ambani, the Ambani family distributed “Bhagavatamrutam” written by Pujyashree Bhupendrabhai Pandya to all the 1108 pothi yajmans and major donors. Swami Shree Haridasji Maharaj from Kutchi Ashram, Haridwar and well-known singer Anuradha Paudwal also attended this function.

Giriraj utsav was sponsored by Arunaben Ganatra and family. The stage decoration depicting Lord Krushna lifting the Govardhan mountain was quite impressive. Various items offered in Annakoot were brought by spirited volunteers and devotees.

Pujyashree Bhupendrabhai’s discourse on Krushna-Rukmini’s marriage was highlighted by a huge attendance of the youth eager to listen to Rukmini’s love letter. They were impressed by his logical and rational solutions to the problems regarding marriage and relations in modern times.

Medical services like Blood Donation camp, Eye camp, Osteoporosis camp, Cancer Detection camp, Physiotherapy camp, Acupressure camp, etc. benefited numerous people. Politicians, bureaucrats and other leading personalities attended this event.

A 108 Kundi Yagna followed by Maha-Prasad marked the conclusion of this Gyanyagna. Devotees parted with the pious memories of an unparalleled spiritual experience.